Tranquil yet exhilarating, relaxing yet vibrant, Methven offers a perfect escape no matter what your taste or budget. Just one hour from Christchurch on Inland Scenic Route 72, this Alpine-themed village buzzes in winter, while in summer it is humming with events such as markets, multi-sport challenges and some very social golfing.
Methven has long been the preferred base for skiers and snowboarders headed for Mt Hutt, but it’s becoming a year-round destination for rest and relaxation. At the centre of this scene is Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa, the first solar-powered hot pools in the southern hemisphere.
Methven was home to Rajah, New Zealand's first police dog. A bronze statue of Rajah sits outside the Mt Hutt Function Centre. It was unveiled on 8 February 2015.
In 1971, the Methven Lions Club studied whether Mount Hutt could be developed into a ski field. The study suggested that this was possible and it led to the opening of a skifield in 1973. Mount Hutt skifield is around half an hour away from Methven. Although the majority of skiers usually made the journey to Mount Hutt from Christchurch on a daily basis, some would stay the weekend in Methven and need accommodation, dinner and services. This led to the establishment of a number of hotels, motels, restaurants and other tourist activities being developed. The town centre was redeveloped with 14 new shops built in 1975. Development continued and by 1989 Methven had five hotels, three motels, twenty ski lodges, two camping grounds and nine restaurants.
Mt Hutt Skifield has been voted New Zealand’s best ski resort nine years running at the World Ski Awards. A true alpine experience, with wide-open terrain, leg-burning runs, monster snowfalls, and spectacular views. You’ve not skied in New Zealand until you’ve skied Hutt!
Methven is located in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand, 35 km north of Ashburton and only 94km west of Christchurch. Methven is 413km northeast of Queenstown, and 157km northeast of Lake Tekapo.
The Christchurch International Airport is 91km from Methven, a drive that takes about 1 to 1:15 hours. If you are not driving yourself, there are local tranport options available from Methven Travel and Mid Canterbury Shuttle Service.
